Philistus of Syracuse (Φίλιστος ὁ Συρακούσιος) was a Syracusan historian and statesman (c. 432–356 BCE). A contemporary and supporter of the tyrants Dionysius I and II, he held high military and political office, including command of the Syracusan citadel and fleet [1][2]. Exiled by Dionysius I, possibly around 386 BCE, he spent this period writing his history before being recalled by Dionysius II [1][2]. He remained loyal to the younger tyrant, commanding the fleet against Dion until his defeat, capture, and execution by the Syracusan populace in 356 BCE [1][2].

His major work was the Sikelika (Σικελικά), a history of Sicily in thirteen books. The first seven books covered events up to 406/5 BCE, while the final six detailed the reign of Dionysius I [1][2][3]. The work is now lost and survives only in fragments.

Philistus was a major historian of the western Greek world, highly regarded in antiquity for his concise and serious style, which drew comparison to Thucydides [1][2]. As a participant and apologist for the Dionysian tyranny, his perspective colored his narrative, later attracting criticism from philosophers like Plutarch [1][2]. His detailed account was a crucial source for later historians, including Ephorus, Timaeus, and Diodorus Siculus [1][3].

Sources 1. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Classics: Philistus: https://oxfordre.com/classics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-4986 2. Encyclopædia Britannica: Philistus: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Philistus 3. Perseus Digital Library, Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology: Philistus: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0104%3Aentry%3Dphilistus-bio-1